SIMPSON, Ill. — The Maple Syrup Production Workshop will be 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Feb. 1 at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, 354 IL-145, Simpson.

Take a tour of Dixon Springs Agricultural Center’s 100-tap sugarbush operation and learn the basics of maple syrup production at the ninth annual backyard maple syrup production workshop. The free workshop will provide an opportunity for attendees to see firsthand the entire backyard maple syrup production process and will discuss scaling up production and advanced techniques. Fun activities will also engage kids to learn about maple syrup production. An optional pancake breakfast will be served from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

What’s New in Houseplants

URBANA, Ill. — The online program What’s New in Houseplants will be 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 28.

Kristyn McReaken, owner of Planted in Champaign, will share expert tips on:

• Trending Plant Varieties: Discover the latest and greatest houseplants to add to your collection.

• Eco-Friendly Plant Care: Learn how to nurture your plants sustainably, from watering techniques to natural pest control.

• Low-Maintenance Plant Picks: Explore easy-to-care-for options like pothos, ZZ plants, and snake plants.

Bottle Gardens

DIXON, Ill. — Bottle Gardens: A Terrarium Workshop will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. Feb. 1 at Sauk Valley Community College, Room 1M24, 173 IL-2, Dixon.

Learn how to create a self-sustaining plant environment within glass. Discover what terrariums need to thrive, then build your own bottle terrarium to take home. Feel free to bring a special bottle; otherwise one will be provided. Perfect for individuals, groups or family fun. Supplies are included; bring a box or canvas bag to take home your project.

Cost is $30. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ycx6bdny.

Horse Judging

GALVA, Ill. — The Illinois 4-H Horse Judging Contest will be 1 to 4 p.m. Feb.2 at Black Hawk College East Campus, 26230 Black Hawk Road, Galva.

The primary objective of the contests is to provide an opportunity for 4-H members to demonstrate their knowledge of equine-related subject matter in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail.

4-H members will judge six classes of horses, at least two being halter classes. The contest is open to all 4-H members; one does not need to own a horse or be enrolled in a horse project to participate.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3ya5w34z.

Diet Trends

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — The program Exploring Diet Trends will be 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital, 201 E. Pleasant St., Taylorville.

Keto, intermittent fasting, paleo, and Whole30 are just a few examples of current diet trends. Learn the pros and cons of different diet trends and how to build healthy habits. There will be a demonstration on using kitchen herbs grown indoors in recipes.

Winter Meeting

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — The Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting will be 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Christian County Extension office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

Stay informed on current agriculture practices and the latest research taking place at Dudley Smith Farm. Topics this year include:

• Cover crop management.

• Grazing or harvesting cereal rye in corn-soybean rotations.

• Local producer experiences with Precision Conservation Management.

• Fertility management and water quality.

• Improving nitrogen use efficiency from field to watershed.

Lunch will be provided. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ycxsb5k9.

Grass to Garden

WANATAH, Ind. — The program Start a Community-based Garden will be 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT Feb. 4 and Feb. 6 at the Pinney Purdue Agriculture Center, 11402 S. County Line Road, Wanatah.

From improving access to fruits and vegetables, to educating people about how food is grown, community gardens offer many benefits. This Grass to Garden program will include information on how to start a community-based garden in your own neighborhood.

Cost is $45. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ypnzpfcc.

Heart Smart Eating

MAROA, Ill. — The program Heart Smart Eating will be 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Maroa Public Library, 305 Garfield St., Maroa.

Attendees will develop skills to support shopping and cooking heart-healthy meals.

Rain Gardens, Native Plants

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The program How Rain Gardens and Native Plants Improve Local Water Quality will be 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at the McLean County Extension office, 1615 Commerce Pkwy., Bloomington.

Led by Layne Knoche, Illinois Extension stormwater outreach associate and assistant director of the Red Oak Rain Garden, this presentation will explore the powerful role that rain gardens and native plants play in enhancing water quality, reducing localized flooding, and supporting local wildlife habitats. Learn practical, sustainable solutions for improving our environment while making a positive impact on your own property.

ServSafe Training

CROWN POINT, Ind. — ServSafe Manager Training will be 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CT Feb. 5 at the Lake County Extension office, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point.

ServSafe is a food and beverage safety training and certificate program accredited by the National Restaurant Association and the Conference for Food Protection. The program was developed to educate food-service workers about food safety.

Training topics include foodborne microorganisms and allergens; personal hygiene; purchasing, receiving and storage; preparation, cooking and serving; and facilities, sanitation and pest management.

The certificate is earned by passing the ServSafe Manager exam with a 70% and the certification is valid for five years.

Winter Seed Sowing

FORSYTH, Ill. — Winter Seed Sowing will be 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 5 at the Forsyth Public Library, 268 S. Elwood St., Forsyth.

Winter sowing is a fun and easy way to start seeds outside during the winter. Plant your seeds in plastic containers — the plastic container acts like a mini greenhouse. Then put the plastic container outside. As the weather starts to warm up, the seeds will germinate and be ready for spring transplanting.

Wildlife Habitat

PRINCETON, Ill. — Sustainability on the Farm: Wildlife Habitat will be 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 6 at the Bureau County Extension office, 850 E. Thompson St., Princeton.

Sustainability on the Farm is a series of educational programs designed to empower farmers and landowners with the knowledge and tools to implement sustainable agricultural practices on their land. The Wildlife Habitat program will be led by Caleb Worley, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.

Charcuterie Creations

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — The program Charcuterie Creations: Build Your Own Edible Masterpiece will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Macoupin County Extension office, 60 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville.

Youths ages 8 to 18 will get creative and design and take home their own personalized charcuterie board. Discover cheese varieties and how to pair them with delicious meats and fruits. Learn to build colorful boards while practicing mindful eating techniques.

Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5fzvz7e8.

Calendar: Maple Syrup Production Workshop at Dixon Springs